The Hurt Locker

This movie was very touching. I find it amazing that one person can disarm so many bombs in his lifetime. He seems truly fearless. Being in a strange land, I don't understand how you could not fear for you life every second of everyday.  I also think it was amazing that he made a true friendship with a little boy. It showed that he did not think that they were all bomber and terrorist.  This makes me scared to think that people could strap bombs to anyone and anything. But it also makes me feel protected because I know there are people out there that live to make the world safer for us.  I also think that it was amazing that even after he made it home, he went back on another tour; that's a true hero.

To be honest, I'm not sure what the hurt locker means.  There are locks on lockers, so perhaps the title is saying that locked inside, behind metals and wires, there were harmful bombs that had to be disabled.

Captain Phillips

This movie was one of my favorites that we watched. It was intense and kept my attention the entire time.  I think that captain Phillips was a true hero.  He was able to keep his crew and ship safe even though he was captured.  He was very smart and thought through his plans before he acted.  I also enjoyed the main pirate.  I think his entire character represented a lot of people in that time that would do anything for money.  When I think of pirates, I think of just the black flag with the skull and crossbones hanging off a big ship, but this movie made me realize that there is so much more.  I think that security on cargo ships should increase to insure that this kind of tragedy doesn't happen.

Argo

I really enjoyed this movie.  It was fast paced and I never got bored.  The situation was so serious and intense and it captured me from the beginning.  Ben Affleck always does amazing in his acting and this was no different.  I thought this movie was very realistic and believable.  

I think Affleck did take a lot of liberties with this story, but I think that it may have been necessary.  I don't think that the movie would have been as good if he had followed the exact story line.  The movie was action packed and kept you on your toes.  The overall meaning of the story and the big events that took place were portrayed in the story, even though some things were false.  

I think that the filmmaker do have some of a responsibility to stay true to the story.  But it is also important for them to tell a story that is going to sell.  There is no point about making a film if they can't make money off of it.  I think this is a fine line that you have to walk on in keeping the story politically correct and making the movie interesting.  I think that as long as something in the movie isn't absolutely incorrect, it should be okay for a movie as long as they explain in the opening or ending that it is not all true. 

Parkland

This movie was very interesting and full of action.  The characters in the movie were the most interesting part to me.  The mother was so sure that her son could not kill the president.  Her character showed her love for her son and I think she relates to most mothers in the world.  I think this movie is important, not only for history, but for today.  It is important to know the background on our government and the incidents that have occurred in the past.  It is also important for us to know why there are such strong precautions taken with our current presidents.  This movie made concerned for the well being of many people with power.  There is always going to be someone that does not like you and what you have, but it’s scary to think that people can be so crewel to commit murder. 

Apollo 13

I really enjoyed this movie.  It was one of my favorites that we watched this year.  This movie seemed very realistic with the space station, the ship, the process that they went through to get ready and much more.  This movie made me feel excited that the technology is getting better and we can explore much more of the world.  This movie also made me uneasy because there is so much that can go wrong.  I would recommend this book, I think that the story is important in American History and we should all know about it. 

I think we spend our money in the US on many things that we shouldn’t, but NASA is not one of them.  I think that many people are curious and NASA finds answers for them in outer space and in the universe.  If anything, we could cut back the funding, but in my opinion, I think NASA’s budget is a good amount. 

I do not think it is important that people travel to space.  I think that we just need to find out information, but to do that we can use satellites.  I do not think it is important to be “ahead” of another country.  As one earth, we should all be able to share secrets about the world that we have found out through our studies so that we are all aware.  

Definace

One thing that I really liked about this book was how accurate it seemed.  A lot of other films try to sugar coat and hide the truth about this subject, but not this movie.  The creators were not afraid to show the gore, or the horrors, somethings that other movies just gloss over.  This movie made me feel scared.  Thinking about this time period makes me realize that it really was not that long ago.  This movie left an impression on me of more sympathy and knowing how strong the jews were as they fought to stay alive.  

I think that this statement is easy to analyze.  Even though the germans were killing off all the Jews, they knew they were outnumbered and could not destroy the German forces.  They did not have the man power, the training and skills, or weaponry.  So instead, go get back at them, they just had to stay alive.  If they could not kill all the Jews, then they did not win.  Humanity and revenge can coexist, but it usually isn't good.  It is a part of human nature to seek revenge, people want to be on top and be able to say that they won.  

Godfather

Something that I really liked about this movie was also what I didn't like about the movie.  There were so many different plots and characters that made the story more interesting, but also confusing at times.  I have lasting impression of this movie of bad feelings towards the mafia.  Getting into things like that scare me, and I am glad I am not a part of that or that my family is in it.  This can be applied to today with gangs.  Although different in reasons, gangs and the mafia seem to be similar.  

Vito Corleone is the "moral" center of the film because he was in the middle of all the crimes that were going on.  He looked out for everyone.  He was tough, but it was done for the best.  He was also the protector of his friends and family.  When Vito died, there was a depression everywhere.  Everyone seemed lost and upset.  I think the world eventually became a better place after he passed.  

I think this viewpoint makes things much different.  There is so much planning that goes into the crimes on the inside.  When you're on the outside, you only see the crime.  I think this movie is considered a classic because it depicts what really went on back then.  Many people have ideas about the mafia, but this movie gives insight to the real ideals of what really goes on. 

Miracle

I really enjoyed every aspect of this movie.  From the beginning, I was hooked to this movie.  It was a very interesting story line and all the characters were different and relatable.  Even not being a hockey fan, I am a very big fan of this movie.  Even though their coach pushed them very far, he knew their limits.  He trained them hard enough to get them to win the olympics.  I thought one of the most interesting characters was the assistant coach.  Even through the head coaches hard drills and how he seemed to be overworking the players, he stayed by his side and supported him.  I thought that was a very important trait that he had.  

The Miracle On Ice told the story of how Herb Brooks led the US Hockey team to win the olympics.  After getting cut from the olympic team, when he was offered the job coach the US team, he could not refuse.  Through his unethically coaching practices, many of the players and other coaches thought he was crazy.   The US was in a national despair and there was little hope for the hockey team to make it far at all.  No one believed that the team had the talent to beat the best teams in the world.  Herb went through many trials with the team and with his marriage.  Herb was able to take this group of 20 boys and turn them into a family on and off the ice.  

The tradegy of 911 was another important event that led the the unification of the American public.  Although a horrilbe event on its on, the after effects of this attack was a truely amazing experience.  It was this event that led the American public to come together as a nation.  

42

I really enjoyed this movie.  Of course, I have heard of Jackie Robinson, but I have never seen this movie.  I have learned a lot more about the game in general, and about the trails that tribulations that Robinson.  He had to stay in other places than the team, he had to leave his wife, and he had to face discrimination on and off the field.  

Yes, I think that Jackie Robinson helped this country get over their discrimination and racism.  I think it made people realize that the no matter what skin color others were, it didn't matter because they were all working for the same goal, to win.  We must learn to break down the racial barriers if we want to progress.  

I think that all of his values are important to use to face barriers.  One of them that is most important to me is his number 1; courage.  I think that courage is something that you always need.  You have to be strong enough to know your own values and have the courage to stand up for what you believe in.  

I think that it means that one person's individual life is not truly that important.  The true importance comes from how much you change and effect other's lives.  I agree very much.  One person may live but not be known.  If they don't change other people than they did not make a difference in the world.  

Yes, I think that Jackie Robinson helped this country get over their discrimination and racism.  I think it made people realize that the no matter what skin color others were, it didn't matter because they were all working for the same goal, to win.  We must learn to break down the racial barriers if we want to progress.  

Cinderella Man

No.  I've always believed that Cinderella stories are stories about the underdog.  They are stories where the people that would be the least likely to win, come out on top.   I think that the main character had many qualities of the princess "Cinderella".  He was going through a rough time in life with his family and had to fight through it.  He was able to do what many others failed at before.  Yes,  I enjoyed the story.  It made me feel lucky that I did not have to live in that time period.  I am glad that I am able to live comfortably in my life.  I liked James.  I think he was strong and a good family man that did what he had to do to survive.  I think families today have to deal with parents with dangerous jobs.  Today, issues are different because bills and food are much more expensive than they were.  Also, the loss of jobs is a problem that is here today.  Our children will have to learn to work with technology that is much more large-scale way.  
If my family was going through a rough time, and there was no food, yes I would steal.  I think that this is a psychological ethical question.  Yes, it is wrong to steal, but if you are doing it for a good time, then I don't think that it is as bad.  You are not stealing to be selfish, you are stealing to help others and keep your family alive.  
I do believe that it is wrong of the filmmakers to change his character, but it was for hollywood.  It was not a documentary, it was just based on a true story.  In order for it to be interesting, there needs to be a bad guy.  It is not ethical, but it makes money.  No, I don't think it takes away from James Braddock.  Max was still a strong competitor that James was able to take down.  
I thought that was one of the most powerful scenes in the movie.  James had to humble himself in order to beg for money to keep his family together.  This means that James was able to get rid of his pride for the good of his family.  It shows that he is not selfish and cares more about his family than his own pride.  I think that was the move of an admirable man.  I think this moment, he is at his lowest point.  He is now the epitome of an underdog, but he is able to rise up.  

Tombstone

I liked the overall message of this movie.  I know that it is important to have laws and rules in order for a society to function well.  In those times, there had to be someone to stand up or the feud would have never stopped.  I did not like the gore of the movie.  I thought a lot of scenes were pretty intense.  Over all, I also didn't like this movie.  Old western films are not my favorite genre of movies.  But I am taking away from the movie more about the times of the wild west.  I now see how women were treated, how men behaved, and how the shootings began.  I think that the way women are treated today can somewhat be connected to how the women were treated in this movie.  We are not supposed to aspire to be much more than our husband's wife, and if you break those rules you are rebelling against society.  

A legendary event is made right before the thoughts, ideas, and beliefs of a society are changed.  A person is made a legend when they are involved in the legendary event.  A person can also become a legend if they die fighting for a cause that many people believe in.  Wyatt Earp, in this movie, can be considered a legend.  He fought off the cowboys and didn't let them intimidate them.  Also, he was involved in a legendary event that came before the town of Tombstone having "law and order".  If any part of the wild west appeals to me it would be the women's fashion.  I wouldn't want to wear corsets all of the time, but some of the outfits looked interesting. 

Glory

In the movie glory, I liked the change in characters.  I think that the soldiers at first looked at themselves as worthless and the least respected soldiers fighting.  By the end, they realized that it doesn’t matter how others feel about you.  If you are fighting for a cause that you feel strongly about then you shouldn’t let others get in the way of you fighting for what you believe in.  I did not like how the other soldiers in other regimens treated the soldiers of the 54th.  They were all soldiers and to discriminate because of their skin color is wrong.  I think the moral of the story is that you can’t let the opinions of others affect or change you.  Fight for what you think is right.  

I think that people are willing to die for their country because they are looking for a better life.  I think that the people that are willing to fight are not happy with how life in their country is at the moment, and because they love their country so much, they would rather die trying to make their life better or fight to make it better.  Yes, I think the men of the 54th are heros.  Not because they are black soldiers, but because they are soldiers.  I think that everyone willing to go out and die for what they love should be considered a hero.  Yes, I think that Shaw is also a hero.  Not only did he fight for his country, but he fought with and led people that no one else wanted to.  He made such a large sacrifice and ultimately his life as the leader of the 54th and a soldier for the United States.  

 I think that the significance of this story is the fact that no matter what race you are, you can still do great things.  Many thought less of the 54th because they were black, but the 54th was able to prove them wrong.  By the 54th being willing to lead the the attack at Fort Wagner, they were able to show that they were just as deserving as the uniforms they wore as anyone else. 

Introduction

Hello, my name is Briana.  One word that best describes me is charismatic.  My interests include volleyball, singing, board games and church.  Oh and eating.  I do not have one specific goal in life, however, my overall goal in life is to make a difference.  I want to go into the field of psychology so that I can work to better other people's lives.  I want to be successful, but I don't measure success in wealth.  I measure success with love, family, and being happy with my life.  There are many things that I like about school because it gives me the opportunity to figure out my likes and dislikes.  If it wasn't for school, I may not be going into the field of psychology in college.  Also, school is where I have gotten the opportunity to meet many different types of people, and some of them I can even consider to be friends.  Surprisingly, there are things that I do not like about school.  School stresses me out because of the work that I have to do.  I want to do well and challenge myself, but along with that comes more homework, harder tests, and higher standards to live up to.  My favorite teacher is actually a good teacher! He can get students to understand material and he will not give up on you.  He makes accommodations according to the student.  My level of interest in history is very low.  I do not like reading history in a book, so my hopes is that this class will increase my interest in history, through film.

"Are you proud of humanity or disappointed in humanity?"

I would say that I am proud of humanity.  Yes, there have been past events that were extremely horrible, but I think humanity has learned from those events.  I am a strong believe that you learn from your mistakes, and I feel that is what humanity is doing.  In the past there were horrible conditions in factories and other workplaces.   Because of that, humanity has learned that they were wrong and we are on the path to recovery.  We now have laws and standards that we have to live by so that we can do our best to not repeat history.  In the past we had to deal with slavery and discrimination, and although it is not completely fixed yet, more of humanity has realized that it was wrong.  Humanity has made huge strides from separate bathrooms to interracial schools.